c|net has carried out a review of Microsoft's Xbox 360 HD DVD player, which turned out some interesting results when compared against Toshiba's HD-A1. As expected, unlike standalone DVD players and Toshiba's HD-A1 HD DVD player, this external drive must be used with the Xbox 360 and requires the included software to be installed on the console prior to its first use. Like external PC USB CD & DVD drives, this drive also requires an additional power source.
The main advantages the review mention include much quicker loading up time and more responsive to key presses than Toshiba's XD-A1, under half the price of current HD DVD players, the ability to hook up to a VGA display with an optional VGA connector and a picture quality still rivalling that Toshiba's HD DVD player over its component video outputs.
Unfortunately, unlike the current Blu-ray disc players (including the PS3) and other standalone HD DVD players, the HD DVD drive lacks HDMI output. This makes it unsuitable for consumers with a high definition display that lacks component and VGA inputs, not to mention resulting in a poorer picture on some displays than if a HDMI cable was used, since both the component and VGA outputs are analogue. Should the image constraint token come into effect, which may happen in the coming years, these drives will only be able to play at 1/4 HD resolution, since ICT only allows full resolution over a secure HDMI connection.
The full c|net review of the Xbox 360 HD DVD player can be read here.
